title: Recommendations from a consensus development workshop on the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are underdiagnosed in Australia, and health professionals have endorsed the need for national guidelines for diagnosis. The aim of this study was to develop consensus recommendations for the diagnosis of FASD in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A panel of 13 health professionals, researchers, and consumer and community representatives with relevant expertise attended a 2-day consensus development workshop to review evidence on the screening and diagnosis of FASD obtained from a systematic literature review, a national survey of health professionals and community group discussions. The nominal group technique and facilitated discussion were used to review the evidence on screening and diagnosis, and to develop consensus recommendations for the diagnosis of FASD in Australia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of population-based screening for FASD was not recommended. However, there was consensus support for the development of standard criteria for referral for specialist diagnostic assessment. Participants developed consensus recommendations for diagnostic categories, criteria and assessment methods, based on the adaption of elements from both the University of Washington 4-Digit Diagnostic Code and the Canadian guidelines for FASD diagnosis. Panel members also recommended the development of resources to: facilitate consistency in referral and diagnostic practices, including comprehensive clinical guidelines and assessment instruments; and to support individuals undergoing assessment and their parents or carers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These consensus recommendations provide a foundation for the development of guidelines and other resources to promote consistency in the diagnosis of FASD in Australia. Guidelines for diagnosis will require review and evaluation in the Australian context prior to national implementation as well as periodic review to incorporate new knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, P,O, Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia. rwatkins@ichr.uwa.edu.au.
authors.forename: Rochelle E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.forename: Elizabeth J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wilkins
authors.forename: Raewyn C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Mutch
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.forename: Janet M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: Colleen M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.forename: Heather M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Latimer
authors.forename: Lorian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Halliday
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: D'Antoine
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miers
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Lucinda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Peadon
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bower
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic